Himachal Plan outlay pegs at Rs. 2,700 cr

New Delhi: The Annual Plan of Himachal Pradesh for 2009-10 has been pegged at Rs 2,700 crore here at a meeting between the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal.

The plan size includes Special Plan assistance of Rs 500 crore for projects of importance to the State. Mr Ahluwalia invited suggestions from the State on flexibility needed for better utilisation of Central schemes. He said the Commission was aware of the problems being faced by the special category States in implementing recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission. Attention of the State Government was drawn to sharp decline in the child sex ratio and the need to improve quality of education.

The Planning Commission pointed out that focused attention to horticulture, handicraft and hospitality would help the State Government in improving revenue potential.